Honeycomb module and underground storage system

ABSTRACT

Individual honeycomb shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant honeycomb shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal hexagonal or square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external hexagonal or square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal hexagonal or square shaped modules drain into external hexagonal or square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/657,253 filed on Jul. 24, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,151,083issued on Dec. 10, 2018 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/135,514, filed on Apr. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,732,508 issued on Aug. 15, 2017 and a Non-provisional conversionof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/394,118, filed on Sep. 13,2016. Additionally, the subject matter of the present application isrelated to the following patent applications: U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/567,711 filed on Jun. 10, 2016 now U.S. DesignPat. No. D795,383 issued on Aug. 22, 2018; U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/567,713, filed on Jun. 10, 2016, now U.S. DesignPat. No. D795,384, issued Aug. 22, 2018; U.S. Design patent applicationSer. No. 29/571,016, filed on Jul. 13, 2016, now U.S. Design Pat. No.D795,385, issued on Aug. 22, 2017; U.S. Design Pat. No. D828,903 issuedon Sep. 18, 2018; and U.S. Design Patent Number D828,902 issued on Sep.18, 2018. The above-referenced applications, including the drawings, arespecifically incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for allthat they disclose and teach and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present technology relate, in general, to thecapture, storage, infiltration, and filtration of fluids, use system andmethods of using the same, including the subterranean water capture,storage, infiltration and filtration, use system and methods of usingthe same. Although the present invention is described in context ofstormwater storage and filtration, the invention is not so limited.

BACKGROUND

Fluid storage systems have been in existence for many years,specifically underground storage systems for the collection and storageof water. While water is collected underground for various reasons, overthe past 20 years there has been increased focus on collecting andstoring storm water runoff. This is done because of two main concerns.The quantity of storm water runoff is a concern because larger volumesof associated runoff can cause erosion and flooding. Quality of stormwater runoff is a concern because storm water runoff flows into ourrivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and/or oceans. Larger volumes ofpolluted storm water runoff flowing into such bodies of water can havesignificant adverse effects on the health of ecosystems.

The Clean Water Act of 1972 enacted laws to improve water infrastructureand quality. Storm water runoff is the major contributor to non-pointsource pollution. Studies have revealed that contaminated storm waterrunoff is the leading cause of pollution to our waterways. As we buildhouses, buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces,we increase the amount of water that runs into our storm water drainagesystems and eventually flows into rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands,and/or oceans. As more land becomes impervious, less rain seeps into theground, resulting in less groundwater recharge and higher velocitysurface flows, which cause erosion and increased pollution levels inwater bodies and the environment.

To combat these storm water challenges associated with urbanizationstorm water detention, infiltration and retention methods have beendeveloped to help mitigate the impact of increased runoff. Historically,open detention basins, wetlands, ponds or other open systems have beenemployed to capture storm water runoff with the intention of detainingand slowly releasing downstream over time at low flows using outlet flowcontrols, storing and slowly infiltrating back into the soils below tomaximize groundwater recharge or retain and use for irrigation or otherrecycled water needs. While the open systems are very effective andefficient, the cost of the land associated with these systems can makethem prohibitive. In areas such as cities or more densely populatedsuburbs the cost of land or availability of space has become limited. Inthese areas many developers and municipalities have turned to the use ofunderground storage systems which allow roads, parking lots, andbuilding to be placed over the top of them.

A wide range of underground storage systems exist, specifically for thestorage of storm water runoff. Arrays of pipes, placed side-by-side areused to store water. Pipe systems made of concrete, plastic orcorrugated steel have been used. More recently arched plastic chambersystems have been in use. As with pipes, rock backfill is used to fillthe space surrounding them to create added void areas for storingadditional water along with providing additional structuralreinforcement.

In general, these types of systems require at least one foot of rockbackfill over the top and at least one or more feet of additional nativesoil over the top to support the loading associated with vehicles onstreets and parking lots. These systems also require rock backfill of afoot or more around their perimeter sides to provide structuralreinforcement due to lateral loading associated with soil pressure.

Lastly, these systems must also be placed on a rock base for structuralsupport. Because these systems are rounded or arched, a substantialamount of rock backfill must be used to surround them and placed inbetween the systems. As such, the amount of void space available forstoring water compared to the amount of soil required to be excavated isonly around 60 percent.

Over time, plastic and concrete rectangular or cube shaped modularsystems were developed that more efficiently stored storm water becausethe modules could be placed side-to-side and end-to-end without the needfor additional rock backfill to be placed between each module as foundwith pipe and arched systems. With these rectangular and cube shapedsystems the void space available for storing water compared to theamount of soil required to be excavated is up to 90% or more. Whileplastic type rectangular and cubed systems still require at two feet ofrock backfill over the top, two feet around the perimeter sides, and sixinches underneath to handle downward and lateral loading, the concreterectangular and cubed systems do not.

Concrete rectangular or cubed modular systems have the benefit of notrequiring rock backfill over the top or surrounding the sides because oftheir additional strength when compared to plastic systems. Yet, theserectangular or cubed concrete structures still have depth limitationsdue to the lateral loading associated with soil pressure.

For example, currently available concrete systems cannot have the bottomof the structure be deeper than eighteen feet below surface levelwithout modifying the standard wall thickness of the structure from sixinches to eight inches or more plus adding additional rebarreinforcement. Doing so adds cost, weight and complexity to design. Thisinherent design limitation is related directly to the shape and designof these structures.

Concrete rectangular or cube shaped structures have five sides, fourvertically extending walls and a bottom or top side. One side must beopen because of how pre-cast concrete molds are made and how theconcrete structure is pulled from the mold. At least one side of theconcrete structure must be missing for it to be pulled from the metalmold that consists of inner and outer walls and either a top or bottomside.

Unfortunately, this missing side which is required for manufacturing,creates an inherent weak point for the walls. The middle of each wall,especially the longer walls for rectangular structures, where the wallmeets the end of the missing top or bottom side has no perpendicularconnection as with the opposite side of the same wall where it connectsto the top or bottom side. This weak point on the center of each wall atthe open end is the reason why these systems have depth limitations.This is known as deflection. This weak point becomes further exaggeratedthe taller the wall becomes and the longer it becomes; the further awayit is from the perpendicular connecting floor or adjacent wall on theopposite end. Therefore, taller systems which extend down deeper fromthe surface underground run into a compounding problem of taller wallsand increased lateral loading (soil pressure).

Recently, an approach to the aforementioned technical problem has beento replace solid wall chambers with cantilever, or semi-arched armbraces, to support the top module. This approach falls short ofaddressing common problems in the industry as these systems still cannotsustain increased soil pressure and lateral loading due to its shapewithout need to increase the wall thickness of the modules or increasethe amount of rebar reinforcing therefore increasing material andoverall cost of deep installations. The present technology presents anovel approach to addressing common industry limitations.

Furthermore, there are also equipment limitations with concreterectangular or cubed shaped structures. Most precast concrete plantsutilize an overhead crane inside a metal building. The height of thiscrane is a limitation on how tall a single five sided, four walls and atop or bottom side, structure can be. The process of pulling a concretecasting from the mold requires it to be pulled up from the mold,opposite of the open side, sliding the walls out from between the innerand out mold walls.

Because of this method, generally the walls of these concrete structuresare not greater than seven feet tall. Therefore, in order to make ataller overall structure, two shorter structures must be stacked on topof each other in a “clamshell” configuration with open ends facing eachother so that the joined structure has one top and one bottom. Onceagain, the weak point being in the middle of each wall, horizontally, onthe end opposite of the perpendicular connecting top or bottom side.

Lastly, current designs of concrete rectangular or cubed shapedstructures, have limitations related to shipping, primarily on largeflatbed trucks. These trucks have transportation limits on weight,length, width and height. Standard flatbed trucks are forty feet long. Astandard load width is eight feet and a wide load up to twelve feet.Anything wider requires pilot cars and an escort which is veryexpensive. Also, height limitations are generally eight feet in order tobe transported on most interstates due to overpasses. Standard weightlimitations are forty-five thousand pounds. When designing a typicalsubterranean water capture, storage, infiltration system and relatedapparatuses it is important to make the structure as large as possiblewithout exceeding the shipping limitations to maximize feasibility dueto economies of scale.

As explained, current designs of underground systems have limitationsrelated to weight bearing loads from above and from the sides. Thesesystems must be designed without risk of cracking, collapsing or othertypes of structural failure. Concrete rectangular or cubed structureshave inherent weak points which limit the depth at which they areinstalled with standard wall thicknesses and design. The inherent flawis related to the basic shape of the structure which has walls runningperpendicular and parallel to one another.

The need for a system overcoming these inherent shape-relatedlimitations is evident. The present invention provides an exemplarysolution including the method, system, and apparatuses derived fromprinciples of biomimetics; specifically, the employment of honeycombshape modules, also referred to as a reticular web structures, andhexagonal shapes. Design inspired by these efficient structures found innature and the employment these more economic natural shapes, incombination with current precast concrete design processes, present aunique approach for overcoming the limitations of the previousapproaches in the industry.

One of the most efficient structures in nature is the honeycomb which isfound in beehives, honeycomb weathering in rocks, tripe and bone. Therelated hexagon shape has been found to make the most efficient use ofspace and building materials. Throughout history this structure has beenadmired to be very light, strong and structurally efficient. While thistechnology has been applied to paper products, composite materials,metals like aluminum, plastics, and carbon nanotubes.

SUMMARY

The invention provides an exemplary method, system, and apparatusesdepicted, in one of its many embodiments, as a module and an assembly ofmodules for collection, storage, infiltration, and treatment of liquid.In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, undergroundhexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shapedassemblies and related components is disclosed. The uniqueness of theshape of each module and the way in which modules are assembled createsa honeycomb structure for maximized strength with minimized use ofmaterial. The hexagonal shape provides superior strength on all sides ofeach module and the assembly as a whole when compared to any rectangularor cubed shaped module. Its ability to equally distribute loads from theearth on its sides allows it to be installed deeper with reduced wallthickness and rebar reinforcing.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, undergroundhexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shapedassemblies and related components for collection and storage of stormwater.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, undergroundhexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shapedassemblies and related components for infiltration of storm water byutilizing channel-less water flow patterns and a porous base or holes inthe floor and/or outflow pipes.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, undergroundhexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shapedassemblies and related components for the storage, treatment andinfiltration of and other collected and stored, non-flammable fluidneeds are provided.

In accordance with certain embodiments, a hexagonal shaped module(s)design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and relatedcomponents with internal hexagonal modules placed within externalhexagonal modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and optionalside walls, wherein the external hexagonal modules have a combination oflegs and walls.

In accordance with other embodiments, a hexagonal shaped module(s)design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and relatedcomponents with internal hexagonal modules placed within externalhexagonal modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and no sidewalls, wherein the external hexagonal modules have a combination of legsand walls.

In accordance with some embodiments, assembly can be configured intovarious shapes and sizes, all being of a honeycomb pattern, and areuseful for meeting the size, space and shape restrictions of locationswhere the assemblies are being installed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, assembly of the hexagonalmodules and their components may be arranged into squares, circles,rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped and other shapes required tofit within the construction site constraints.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present technology aredisclosed herein, with the preferred embodiment for the management ofstorm water runoff underground.

Further embodiments will be apparent from this written description andaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the internal hexagonal topmodule illustrating the modules' top 12, access hole 6, legs 14, the topmodules' bottom of legs 16 and the internal top module side edge 20, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of internal hexagonal top modulesshown in FIG. 1 with an access riser and access hatch assembly 70, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the assembly ofinternal hexagonal top modules adjacent to each other, and includes theaccess riser and access hatch as shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of FIG. 3 with the addition of ahexagonal top slab 62, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the internal hexagonal topmodule shown in FIG. 1 and a hexagonal bottom module showing the variouscomponents of each module, including a bottom module floor 32, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment illustrating a perspective view of the internalhexagonal top and bottom modules shown in FIG. 5 joined together with atop module male ship lap joint 22 and a bottom module female ship lapjoint 42 in assembly of an internal hexagonal module, in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of perimeter hexagonal top modulewith the addition of a top module side wall 11, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter hexagonal topmodule of FIG. 7, a male ship lap joint 22 and a bottom module femaleship lap joint 42 with the addition of a bottom module side wall 40, aperimeter hexagonal bottom module 31 and a drainage hole 46, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled top hexagonalinternal modules of FIG. 4 and depicts the perimeter hexagonal topmodule, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of multiple assembled top andbottom hexagonal modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern, in accordancewith one embodiment. FIG. 10a illustrates a perspective view of multipleassembled top and bottom square modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern,in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a three-dimensional interior view of the fullhexagonal module assembly storage system including perimeter hexagonaltop modules 11 and perimeter hexagonal bottom modules 31 and an inflowpipe 80 and an outflow pipe 82, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a three-dimensional exterior view of FIG. 11 of afull hexagonal assembly storage system, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a three-dimensional top and bottom view of ahalf-hexagonal top slab 60 and a top slab notch down 68, used in acompleted hexagonal storage system assembly and placed over a hexagonalmodule assembly internal void area, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates three-dimensional top and bottom view of a hexagonaltop slab 62 and a top slab notch down 68, used in a completed hexagonalstorage system assembly and placed over a hexagonal module assemblyinternal void area, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a three-dimensional top and bottom view of doublehexagonal top slab assembly, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side wall panel used in a completed hexagonalstorage system assembly and placed on its perimeter walls and spanningbetween hexagonal modules, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a three-dimensional internal and external view of afull hexagonal module assembly storage system with a hexagonal moduleassembly internal void area 92, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an expanded view of FIG. 17 with side wall panels 66and hexagonal top slabs (half, single, double), in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the complete hexagonalstorage system assembly with top slabs and side panels on a gravel base120, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective side view of the completed, exteriormodule assembly of FIG. 19, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cut-away side view of the completed moduleassembly of FIG. 20, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective top view of the exterior of thecompleted module assembly of FIG. 19, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a cut-away top view of the interior of FIG. 19, withmulti-directional flow path of water 110 from an inflow pipe 80 and toan outflow pipe 82, in accordance with one embodiment. This figureillustrates how water can flow, resulting in ubiquitous flow for optimalwater transfer and disbursement.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of FIG. 1 with internal rebarreinforcement 8 within a concrete module, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of FIG. 7 with the addition of atop module side wall 18 and a top module bottom of wall 19, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates an external perspective view of an access riser andaccess hatch assembly 70 with a manhole access cover 72, a manholeaccess cover frame 74, and manhole access risers 76, in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 27 illustrates a three-dimensional internal, cut-away and externalview of a complete hexagonal storage system assembly with top slabs andside panels, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled top hexagonalinternal modules 10, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of multiple assembled top andbottom hexagonal modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern, in accordancewith one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiment provides a hexagonal module and assembly ofmodules for the underground collection and storage of fluids. Thehexagonal modules offer enhanced strength and efficiency individuallyand in assembly of multiple modules. Modules can be assembled intovarious shapes and sizes, all being of a honeycomb pattern, to meet thesize, space and shape restrictions of locations where the assemblies arebeing installed.

The module assembly can be generally square, round, rectangular,L-shaped or other shapes to work around other underground structures,including but not limited to sewer lines, utilities, fuel storage tanks,water mains and others. The hexagonal shape and resulting honeycombassembly provides greatly improved strength at increased depths whencompared to currently available technologies and thus overcomeslimitations with lateral soil pressures which increase proportionatelyto the depth below the ground surface.

Hexagonal modules and resulting honeycomb assemblies can be installed atvarious depths and at various module heights. The top of the top modulecan be flush with the ground surface and placed in parking lots,landscape areas, sidewalks, airports, ports and streets and can bedesigned to handle site specific loading conditions such as parkway,indirect traffic, direct traffic and others. The module and assembly canalso be placed deeper underground with the top of the top module beingfrom a few inches to several dozen feet below finish surface due to itshigh strength design. The height of the individual modules or resultingassembled two-piece module can be from a few feet to over a few dozenfeet in height.

The hexagonal shape and honeycomb assembly will allow this system, usedfor storage of fluids, to be installed deeper underground and be able tohandle increased pressure and soil loads due to its shape without needto increase the wall thickness of the modules or increase the amount ofrebar reinforcing therefore decreasing material and overall cost of deepinstallations. This is a major benefit over existing technologies ormethods.

In certain embodiments of the present technology, the absence ofinterior walls in the design of the interior module sand the way modulesjoin together with up to one module being in direct fluid communicationwith six other modules promotes unrestricted water flow between modulesin all directions. This results in a more hydraulically efficient systemand allows for fluid to evenly disburse through the assembly andminimize drag, velocities within the system, head loss and in turnenhance the system's ability to capture pollutants contained within theincoming storm water runoff, especially pollutants such as trash,sediment and TSS which are more easily removed when velocities arereduced via settling.

In another embodiment, drainage holes at the bottom of a module allowstorm water to fully drain out to the floor preventing standing water.FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a single drain hole 46; however, amodule may contain zero to many drainage holes 46 placed in the floor 32of the bottom module 30 when infiltration of water back into the nativesoil below the hexagonal module assembly storage system 90 is desired,see FIG. 21 as an example. These drainage holes allow water to exit thesystem evenly throughout every bottom module 30. To connect the moduleassembly 90, both inflow pipes 80 and outflow pipes 82 as in FIG. 11 andFIG. 12 can be connected to the assembly 90 through any of the moduleside walls 18, 40 and 66 as depicted in FIG. 16.

In accordance with certain embodiments, modifications of side walls 40in specific chambers can also be made near inflow points to act aspre-treatment settling chambers and isolate incoming sediments and otherpollutants.

In some embodiments, specific chambers near outlet points can bemodified to include treatment devices or methods such as media filters,membrane filters, biofilters to further treat storm water runoff beforeleaving the system.

In the preferred embodiment, the interior hexagonal module fits withinan is located adjacent to perimeter hexagonal modules FIG. 1 illustratesa hexagonal internal top module 10 designed to collect and store waterunderground and maintainable through the access hole 6. The top moduleis composed of a hexagonal shaped top 12 and three legs 14. The topmodule assembly of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 represent one embodiment of anunstacked top module used in more shallow, underground cavities whereinthe assembled top module may be placed directly on a floor base orground surface rather than being assembled to a bottom hexagonal moduleassembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates an internal hexagonal top module shown in FIG. 1 withan access riser and access hatch assembly 70 inserted over the accesshole 6. Although a particular presentation of the top module and anaccess riser and access hatch assembly are presented, it is understoodthat this is an example and that other configurations in arrangement maybe employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 provide an illustrated embodiment demonstrating aconfiguration of the multiple top modules. The open design provideswater flow to disperse evenly through a channel-less hexagonal chamber.

The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 demonstrate modularassembly where a hexagonal top module 10 can be joined with a hexagonalbottom module 30 to form an assembled hexagonal module as shown in FIG.6. A hexagonal bottom module 30 is composed of the same components ofthe hexagonal top module 10 except the module 30 is upside down. Thehexagonal top module has a hexagonal top slab 12 and the hexagonalbottom module 30 has a floor 32 and three legs 34.

In certain embodiments, the hexagonal module and assembly of modulesinclude joint lines between modules which can be sealed with awaterproof sealant or the entire module assembly wrapped in a plasticliner to make the storage system water tight.

In yet another embodiment, in order to join together a hexagonal topmodule 10 with a hexagonal bottom module 30, a male shiplap joint 22 isadded on the top module bottom of leg 16 and a female shiplap joint 42is added on the bottom module top of leg 36. This male 22 to female 42shiplap joint connection allows the hexagonal top module 10 andhexagonal bottom module 30 to be locked together without risk ofhorizontal shifting of the two stacked modules which form an assembledhexagonal module as in FIG. 6.

Conjoining of the modules is not limited to lap joints wherein differingconstruction environments may require different assembly latches, toincrease, for example, the strength of the assembled module, may beemployed and are possible and have been contemplated without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

In another embodiment, the addition of side walls on the top module 18of FIG. 7 and the bottom module 31 of FIG. 8 maybe installed to define aperimeter.

In an alternate embodiment, the internal hexagonal top module 10 aspresented in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 lack side wall panels 66 and theinternal hexagonal bottom module 30 of FIG. 29 also lacks side wallpanels 66. The result is a lack of a perimeter in the internal modules.This reduces the overall materials required for an installation andthereby reduces costs.

The hexagonal top module 10 can be used in conjunction with otherhexagonal top modules 10, placed side by side, to create a honeycombshaped hexagonal module assembly 50 as represented in FIG. 9. Theassemblies 50 made of hexagonal top modules 10 can only be made so talldue to manufacturing limitations of the hexagonal top modules side wall18 height. When taller hexagonal module assemblies 51 are required as inFIG. 10, the hexagonal top module 10 can be stacked on top of ahexagonal bottom module 30 to form a taller assembled hexagonal module50. This taller assembled hexagonal module can be twice as tall as asingle hexagonal top module 10 therefore resulting in taller honeycombshaped hexagonal module assemblies 51 capable of storing larger volumesof water. External top 11 and bottom 31 modules are placed around theperimeter of the assembly 51 to define its outer extent. FIG. 10arepresents an alternative embodiment with a honeycomb shaped squaremodule assembly 153, with a combination of square shaped perimeter topmodules 143 and perimeter bottom modules 149, a square perimeter cornertop module 144, perimeter corner top module wall intersection 145 andinternal top modules 132 and internal bottom modules 138.

The hexagonal module assemblies 50 made of many hexagonal top modules 10or stacked top 10 and bottom 30 assembled hexagonal modules 51 areplaced side by side in rows to create various shapes that are allarranged in a honeycomb pattern as in FIG. 12. As the number of stackedtop 10 and 11 and bottom 30 and 31 internal and external modules growthe more flexibility there is to vary the shape of the complete assembly90 into squares, circles, rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped andother shapes required to fit within the construction site constraints.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 17, in certain embodiments, theindividual modules have to be configured so that each module is in fluidcommunication with one another to allow water to fill up all modulesevenly. This is achieved through minimization of top module side walls18 and bottom module side walls 40 by only placing them along theperimeter of the complete assembly 90. Modules 11, 31, located on theperimeter of the hexagonal module assembly 90, will have solid sidewalls 18, 40 as the assembly 90 will be buried underground and besurrounded in soil.

Notably, others have used assemblies defining lateral and longitudinalchannels to distribute water through underground assembly. In contrast,the present technology's enhanced function of the hexagonal moduleassembly has improved performance, functionality and accessibility ofthe assembly 90 by allowing water to freely flow and fill the assemblyin all directions unimpeded by channels.

Additionally, as in FIG. 11 and FIG. 19, access riser and hatchassemblies 70, which are composed of a manhole cover 72, manhole coverframe 74, and one or more manhole access risers 76 to bring the assembly70 up to ground level. Access into the module assembly 90 is providedvia this access riser and hatch assembly 70 via a hole 6 in the top 12of the top module 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Because of the assembly 90 is honeycombed shaped each individual module10, 30, 11, and 31 along the perimeter is supported and connected by atleast two or more adjacent modules 10, 30, 11, and 31, two to threemodules 10, 30, 11, and 31 in the corners and four modules 10, 30, 11,and 31 along the sides. The load distribution of this configuration isoptimized due the to the honeycomb configuration of the assembly 90.Outer perimeter modules 11 and 31 make contact with other modules 10,30, 11, and 31 on the two sides and make contact with two additionalmodules 10, 30, 11, and 31 along the next inner row or column of modules10, 30, 11, and 31 and the contact is made at sixty degree angles so theload on the perimeter modules 10, 30, 11, and 31 is dispersed evenly toother modules 10, 30, 11, and 31. This even load disbursement providesthe overall assembly 90 with maximum compression strength and thus ableto handle soil pressures associated with deep installations.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 11. and FIG. 12 and FIGS. 17 to 19,because of the load distribution among modules 10, 30, 11, and 31, someof the inner modules 10, 30, 11, and 31 can be removed, usually in acheckerboard pattern for adjacent rows and columns in an assembly 90.The honeycomb shaped pattern of the assembly 90 allows for the removalof the inner modules 10, 30, 11, and 31 without loss of strength. Theinternal void area 92 reduces the number of modules needed 10, 30, 11,and 31, and reduces the overall cost of the assembly 90. In some cases,two adjacent modules 10, 30, 11, and 31 in the same row or same columncan be removed without sacrificing strength of the overall assembly 90.Overall the system is more efficient and more economically feasible dueto less material being used to store the same amount of water along withdecreasing the overall shipping costs that would be associated withadditional modules 10, 30, 11, and 31.

Referring again to FIG. 18, it is shown that additional top slabs areused to cover the module assembly internal void areas 92 to create anenclosed chamber. For locations where a single module 10 and 30 isremoved, FIG. 14, as an example, depicts a hexagonal top slab 62 can beplaced over the void 92. For locations where two adjacent modules 10 and30 are removed FIG. 15 a double hexagonal top slab assembly 64 can beplaced to cover the void 92.

In one embodiment, around the perimeter of the assembly 90 where theindividual modules 11 and 31 are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, theystick out to create an indented perimeter, as depicted in FIG. 17. Sidepanels 66 can be placed over these indented areas for additional storageand create a more linear perimeter surface wall. Once these side panels66 are placed, the resulting top of these additional void areas 92 canbe covered with a half-hexagonal top slab 60 as presented in FIG. 13.The resulting is FIG. 19, is a complete hexagonal storage systemassembly with top slabs and side panels 100.

FIG. 20 is a side-view of the completed hexagonal storage systemassembly 100, and shows that multiple inflow pipes 80 and outflow pipes82 can enter the assembly 100 at various positions on the side walls 18,40 or 66 of the modules 11 and 31. The position of the various top slabs60, 62, and 64 are also shown sitting above the module top 12 andforming a roof over the completed assembly 100 as depicted in oneembodiment.

In accordance with one embodiment as presented in FIG. 21, is aside-cut-away view of the completed hexagonal storage system assembly100 showing the internal components of the system including drainageholes 46, access riser and access hatch assembly 70 and the top slabs60, 62, and 64. These top slabs are designed with flat top, of variousthicknesses to handled surface loading conditions, and further have anotch down 68 on their bottom sides, as depicted in FIG. 15, inaccordance with one embodiment. Further, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 21lock the top slabs 60, 62, and 64 in place when placed over the internalvoid areas 92. The notch down 68 is slightly narrower than the internalvoid area 92 on all sides and the top slabs 60, 62, and 64 larger thanthe void areas 92, in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an illustrated embodiment of a top-view looking down on thecomplete hexagonal storage system assembly 100 and the resultinghoneycomb pattern is formed. Access riser and access hatch assemblies 70are positioned throughout key points in individual module tops 12 andallows access into the system 100 through access holes 6 for maintenanceand cleaning of the system 100.

FIG. 23 presents a top-cut-away-view showing the internal space of thesystem 100, including various combinations of individual module walls40, the internal void areas 92, side wall panels 66 along the twoperimeter sides, and optional drainage holes 46, in accordance with oneembodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 23 demonstrates, through use of arrows110, how water flows from inflow pipes 80 to a first module and flows toother modules and internal void areas 92 unimpeded. Internal modules 10and 30 allow water to flow freely in all directions for more efficientdistribution of fluid within the completed assembly 100 and eventuallyexit via the outflow pipe 82 and/or infiltrate back into the soil belowvia drainage holes 46.

FIG. 24 is an illustrated embodiment of a hexagonal top module and theassociated internal metal rebar 8 configuration. For example, in oneembodiment of modules 10 made of concrete, the structure has to bereinforced with rebar and/or rebar mesh 8, oriented in a criss-crosspattern. The rebar 8 should be used in the internal hexagonal top module10 and the top module top 12, sides 20 and legs 14. See FIG. 25 as anexample. Also, the rebar 8 should be used in the internal hexagonalbottom module's 30 floor 32, sides 40 and legs 34. The size and amountof rebar 8 is a function of the structure load requirements and soilconditions. This same rebar reinforcement would also be used in topslabs 60, 62, and 64 and side wall panel 66 and also including themanhole access risers 76.

In other embodiments composite or metal strands or other suitableconstruction materials in addition to rebar 8 or in place of rebar toreinforce the concrete or replace the need for rebar, may be employedand are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure.

In an additional embodiment, the modules can be set up with the exteriorbottom module having a solid floor section to detain or retain water. Ifinfiltration of storm water into native soil is allowable or desired,the floor of each bottom module can include a drainage hole to allowcaptured storm water to exit the bottom of each module into theunderlying rock base layer and or native soil for ground water recharge.FIG. 19, employs a gravel base floor 120;

however, it is understood that this representation is an example andthat other representations, for example, a concrete slab, are possibleand contemplated without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In yet another embodiment, FIG. 26 shows three components of the accessriser and access hatch assembly 70 which consists of one or more manholeaccess risers 76 to bring the manhole access cover 72 and frame 74 up toground level.

In some embodiments, a hexagonal module and assembly of modules FIG. 27for the underground collection and storage of water are built to handlesite specific loading conditions. Surface loads applied to undergroundstorage systems vary based upon pedestrian and vehicular traffic, andcan be broken down into the following categories may be employed and arepossible and contemplated without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Parkway loading includes sidewalks and similar areas that are adjacentto streets and other areas with vehicular traffic. Indirect trafficloading includes areas that encounter daily low speed traffic fromvehicles ranging from small cars up to semi-trucks. Direct trafficloading includes areas, such as streets and interstates that encounter ahigh volume of high speed traffic from vehicles ranging from small carsto large semi-trucks. There is also heavy duty equipment loading thatincludes traffic from, for example, airplanes and heavy port equipment.

Accordingly, underground storage systems of the present invention may beconstructed having walls, floors, and/or ceilings of variousthicknesses, shapes and strengths (e.g., differing thicknesses ofconcrete or steel or differing amounts of rebar) such that they achievea parkway load rating (e.g., a H10 load rating), an indirect trafficload rating (e.g., a H20 load rating), a direct traffic load rating(e.g., a H20 load rating), or a heavy duty equipment load rating (e.g.,a H25 load rating), as required for a given installation site. Suchembodiments may be employed and are possible and contemplated withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments.Feature(s) of the different embodiment(s) may be combined in yet anotherembodiment without departing from the recited claims.

We claim:
 1. A honeycomb shaped assembly system for storing waterunderground, wherein the honeycomb shaped assembly system is comprisedof a plurality of individual adjoining hexagonal modules, wherein eachhexagonal module is comprised of a hexagonally-shaped top, a combinationof walls and/or legs extending downward from said hexagonally-shaped topdepending on their position within the assembly, wherein modules alongthe perimeter of the assembly contain one or more walls to define theperimeter of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,wherein, said walls are defined by extending vertically downward fromsaid hexagonally-shaped top, along its edges so that said top and wallsintercept one another at their ends, wherein said modules along theperimeter have one or more legs extending vertically from thehexagonally-shaped top, and positioned inward from the edges of thehexagonally-shaped top, and generally positioned on sides of thehexagonally-shaped top not having walls, wherein modules not along theperimeter of the assembly only having two or more legs extendingvertically from the hexagonally-shaped top, and positioned inward fromthe edges of the hexagonally-shaped top, wherein the resulting assemblyof internal and perimeter modules is defined by only having perimeterwalls, and multiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with oneanother within modules or between adjacent modules, and resulting in asystem with no defined channels, wherein at least one said module has anaccess hole in its top for access into said assembly system afterinstallation underground.
 2. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim1, wherein the modules are stacked together to create a taller overallmodule, wherein one module, known as the top module, has ahexagonally-shaped top with downward extending legs and/or walls, andsecond module, known as the bottom module having a hexagonally-shapedbottom with upward extending legs and/or walls, wherein modules beingstacked have identical combinations of legs and/or walls, and the topmodule is stacked directly over the bottom module and secured in placeutilizing joints placed at the bottom edge of the side legs and/or wallsof the hexagonal top module and the top edge of the side walls of thehexagonal bottom module, respectively.
 3. A honeycomb shaped assemblysystem of claim 2, wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, with one modulehaving a female joint and the other module having a male joint.
 4. Ahoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 1, containing one or moreinflow and/or outflow pipes in module top or wall.
 5. A honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 1, containing drainage holes in the bottom ofsaid module to allow water to exit the system and percolate intounderlying gravel layer or soils.
 6. A honeycomb shaped assembly systemof claim 1, in which up to 35% of internal hexagonal shaped modules withlegs are removed without reducing the overall assembly strength andresultant internal void areas are covered by a hexagonal shaped top slablarger than the resultant void area of the removed module(s), saidhexagonal shaped top slab having a notch down on its bottom side that issmaller than the void area to lock it in place within the assembly.
 7. Ahoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 1, in which verticallyextending side panels are added to the external perimeter of theassembly on sides of the assembly in which every other hexagonal moduleextends out 30% or more further than adjacent modules, said side panelextending between said modules to create additional void space and waterstorage, said void areas covered with a top slab shaped as ahalf-hexagon, said top slab having a notch down on its bottom side thatis smaller than the void area to lock it in place within the assembly.8. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 1, where the hexagonaltop module, hexagonal bottom module, hexagonal top slab, and side panelare all comprised of concrete reinforced with rebar.
 9. A honeycombshaped assembly system of claim 1, where the top access hole is coveredwith an access frame and cover and includes access risers to extend theaccess frame and cover to finish surface from the top access holelocated underground.
 10. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 1,made water tight using an impervious liner, sealant or other means toprevent leakage.
 11. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 1,wherein only bottom modules along with top slabs are stacked andassembled to form a storage system.
 12. A honeycomb shaped assemblysystem of claim 1, where the top access hole is covered with an accessframe and cover.
 13. A honeycomb shaped assembly system for storingwater underground, wherein the honeycomb shaped assembly system iscomprised of a plurality of individual adjoining hexagonal modules,wherein each hexagonal module is comprised of a hexagonally-shaped top,legs extending downward, from said hexagonally-shaped top depending ontheir position within the assembly, wherein each hexagonal module havingtwo or more legs extending vertically from the hexagonally-shaped top,and positioned inward from the edges of the hexagonally-shaped top,wherein the resulting assembly of internal modules defined by multipleinternal legs, said legs not in contact with one another within modulesor between adjacent modules, and resulting in a system with no definedchannels, wherein at least one said module has an access hole in its topfor access into said assembly system after installation underground. 14.A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 13, in which verticallyextending side panels are added to the external perimeter of theassembly on sides of the assembly.
 15. A honeycomb shaped assemblysystem of claim 13, wherein the modules are stacked together to create ataller overall module, wherein one module, known as the top module, hasa hexagonally-shaped top with downward extending legs, and secondmodule, known as the bottom module, having a hexagonally-shaped bottomwith upward extending legs, wherein modules being stacked have identicalcombinations of legs, and the top module is stacked directly over thebottom module and secured in place utilizing joints placed at the bottomedge of the side legs of the hexagonal top module, respectively.
 16. Ahoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 15, containing drainage holesin the bottom of said module to allow water to exit the system andpercolate into underlying gravel layer or soils.
 17. A honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 15, where the hexagonal top module, hexagonalbottom module, hexagonal top slab, and side panel are all comprised ofconcrete reinforced with rebar.
 18. A honeycomb shaped assembly systemof claim 15, wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, with one modulehaving a female joint and the other module having a male joint.
 19. Ahoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 13, containing one or moreinflow pipes in module top or wall.
 20. A honeycomb shaped assemblysystem of claim 13, in which up to 35% of internal hexagonal shapedmodules with legs are removed without reducing the overall assemblystrength and resultant internal void areas are covered by a hexagonalshaped top slab larger than the resultant void area of the removedmodule(s), said hexagonal shaped top slab having a notch down on itsbottom side that is smaller than the void area to lock it in placewithin the assembly.
 21. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 13,where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover andincludes access risers to extend the access frame and cover to finishsurface from the top access hole located underground.
 22. A honeycombshaped assembly system of claim 13, made water tight using an imperviousliner, sealant or other means to prevent leakage.
 23. A honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 13, wherein only bottom modules along with topslabs are stacked and assembled to form a storage system.
 24. Ahoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 13, where the top access holeis covered with an access frame and cover.
 25. A four-sided honeycombshaped assembly system for storing water underground, wherein thehoneycomb shaped assembly system is comprised of a plurality ofindividual adjoining four-sided modules, wherein each four-sided moduleis comprised of a four-sided top, a combination of walls and/or legsextending downward from said four-sided top depending on their positionwithin the assembly, wherein modules along the perimeter of the assemblycontain one or more walls to define the perimeter of the assembly tocreate an overall enclosed storage system, wherein, said walls aredefined by extending vertically downward from said four-sided top, alongits edges so that said top and walls intercept one another at theirends, wherein said modules along the perimeter have one or more legsextending vertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward fromthe edges of the four-sided top, and generally positioned on sides ofthe four-sided top not having walls, wherein modules not along theperimeter of the assembly only having three or more legs extendingvertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward from the edgesof the four-sided top, wherein the resulting assembly of internal andperimeter modules is defined by only having perimeter walls, andmultiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with one another withinmodules or between adjacent modules, and resulting in a system with nodefined channels, wherein said modules of four-sided honeycomb shapedassembly are arranged as a four-sided tiling honeycomb in which four,four-sided modules meet at each vertex such that all walls of allmodules are of the same width and are assembled such that walls ofadjacent modules are lined up symmetrically with walls of all othermodules, resulting in only 90 degree angles at each vertex of alladjoined four-sided modules so four, four-sided modules at a point makea full 360 degrees, wherein at least one said module has an access holein its top for access into said assembly system after installationunderground.
 26. A four-sided honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim25, wherein the modules are stacked together to create a taller overallmodule, wherein one module, known as the top module, has a four-sidedtop with downward extending legs and/or walls, and second module, knownas the bottom module having a four-sided bottom with upward extendinglegs and/or walls, wherein modules being stacked have identicalcombinations of legs and/or walls, and the top module is stackeddirectly over the bottom module and secured in place utilizing jointsplaced at the bottom edge of the side legs and/or walls of thefour-sided top module and the top edge of the side walls of thefour-sided bottom module, respectively.
 27. A four-sided honeycombshaped assembly system of claim 26, containing drainage holes in thebottom of said module to allow water to exit the system and percolateinto underlying gravel layer or soils.
 28. A four-sided honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 25, in which vertically extending side panelsare added to the external perimeter of the assembly.
 29. A four-sidedhoneycomb shaped assembly system of claim 26, where the top module,bottom module, a top slab, and a side panel are all comprised ofconcrete reinforced with rebar.
 30. A four-sided honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 25, where the top access hole is covered withan access frame and cover and includes access risers to extend theaccess frame and cover to finish surface from the top access holelocated underground.
 31. A four-sided honeycomb shaped assembly systemof claim 25, made water tight using an impervious liner, sealant orother means to prevent leakage.
 32. A four-sided honeycomb shapedassembly system of claim 25, wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, withone module having a female joint and the other module having a malejoint.
 33. A honeycomb shaped assembly system of claim 25, where the topaccess hole is covered with an access frame and cover.